Tag Archives: opinion

DASHING INTO 2025

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As usual, I can’t believe we are at the mid-January mark. Where did the first two weeks of a brand new year go?

A few days ago, I decided to see if Spring was very far away. The first thing I saw were clusters of snowdrops carpeting the bare ground. To me, Spring had definitely arrived early.

Most Christmas decorations had been removed from houses, buildings, the Village businesses and lamp-posts. But there was one that was just too cute to pack away quickly. I almost missed the cute Holiday Llama. . . .tucked behind some firs and shrubs . . .

Art and Literature seemed to abound on my walk. I love when this happens because each is so unexpected when you’re not looking for it.

The above pieces of glass sculpture were displayed in the Avenue Gallery front window. Often the Gallery would display a large painting to complement the sculptures and this was another successful pairing. Unfortunately, I showed only a corner of the beautiful painting.

But when is art considered graffiti? AND when is graffiti considered art? Abandoned buildings are often canvases for artistic graffiti if there is such a thing. The two pieces of “art” below were painted on two abandoned doors that were part of a derelict building. These were taken a year ago as the doors are no longer there today.

One more photo–Is this considered graffiti (it was painted on the side of a skateboard ramp). . .or is it artisitic graffiti?

The quote below was on the display window of The Village’s bookstore. I thought Neil Gaiman must be a very wise man to write these words.

“I hope that in the year to come, you make mistakes. Because if you are making mistakes, then you are learning new things–learning, living, pushing. You are changing your world. You’re doing things never done before and more importantly, you’re doing something.” ( by Neil Gaiman on Ivy’s Bookstore window)

The contents of the Village Bulletin Board yield an unexpected piece of literature. Tacked atop the ad for piano lessons was a poignant break-up letter of regrets and good-bye.

I often wondered if this very public letter ever reached the person it was intended for—as the letter mysteriously disappeared 3 days later.

My homeward bound route was through Bowker Creek Park. The Creek had been undergoing a serious redevelopment of preserving the natural habitat for the ducks. The vegetation and natural plants were carefully cultivated and protected. That day, the ducks were out in full numbers with a lot of “Donalds” looking for their forever “Daisies.”

Single, happy and full of confidence, still searching for his perfect “Daisy.”

Oops! Lots of bachelors and is that an unimpressed “Daisy”?

Don’t worry, fellas. . .Valentine’s coming

Swinging through a side street, I found an unexpected piece of garden art. I really believe if a person looks. . .really look. . .art does pop out and grab your eyeballs. . . .

Then I came across a surprising sculpture at the bottom of the entrance to St. Mary’s Anglican Church.

And then took a closer look at the white tag. . . .guess this is called useful art!

I couldn’t resist adding one final piece of art—-the sandals and sneakers were covering a whole section of fence. AND was a traffic stopper at the major intersection.

I’m not sure why the theme was “shoes” but it reminded me how very diverse and clever and creative, we all can be. We come from different cultural roots with different influences and yet we are all similar. We are adaptable and survivors.

Life isn’t about waiting for the thunder and lightning to pass; it’s about waiting for the doughnuts to finish baking and to keep dancing in the noisy storm. . . .

IT’S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR

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It’s that time of the year again. ..already.

Whatever happened to the rest of the year? Do you find that time zipped past so fast that the growth rate of your grandchildren are your only clues that this happened?

I was asked the other day–by a lady who is so organized that she had already set up her two fully decorated real trees and had done her massive amount of baking—“Are you ready for Christmas?”. Thank goodness, my friend had a sense of humor and had answered the question that her tree would be decorated Christmas eve by her family coming from out-of-town. As for me and my family of collectable gnomes, I asked, “Does putting a sprig of holly on Simon’s hat count?” Simon is my woodland gnome.

Norbert, Simon and Homer look ready to burst into song, especially “Rocking’ Around the Christmas Tree” (that’s not up yet). . . .

At least, one saving grace this Christmas is the lack of postal lineups and the cards sent to family and friends. But the downside of that is the time saved on this task did not spread to other tasks. I found that I liked writing personal notes on my cards to family and friends who are far away. AND if you ever received a card with just a signature, it means you’re off their list next year because they can’t remember who you are and why you rate a card. But that’s okay–I already eliminated them from my list as I couldn’t remember who and why either.

I love the Christmas lights. It’s really pretty driving home when it’s dark seeing The Village and boulevards all lit up. The workmen had been busy weeks before, stringing up lights in impossibly high places while other busy elves placed lights around all the store-fronts and doorways of the Village businesses. The lampposts at the beginning and at the end of the Village route, were also wrapped in lights .. The candy cane lights were actually three canes, each holding a lighted ornament. . .

Shop windows and indoor displays are always a favorite of mine. It’s amazing to see the creativity of the merchants’ front windows. I like to see the bits and pieces as well as the whole picture. . . .

Anthony at Gardenworks never disappoints. He is phenomenal in his annual Christmas displays. And all his other artistic and creative displays throughout the year.

My favorite Christmas camels in Nicholas Randall’s window.

This was part of a planter display shared by two clothing stores.

I loved the sight of this Holiday spirit with the holly in the basket, a “topper” with a red band and a bicycle—parked outside a Village merchant. . . .

I don’t know about you but the more Christmases I go through, I learned this one truth. Don’t panic and just go with the flow. It only took me a few decades to figure that out. When I’m organized, a number of things can go wrong like the year the power went off as the turkey was cooking. That’s when you know Murphy’s law is about to fall on your head. Now I bake for our visitors and I put up a few Holiday decorations.

Another beautiful tree decorated by Anthony from Gardenworks. . . .

Hubby and I are ready–at least as ready as can be. Meanwhile I get to wish all of my Readers, a very Joyous Holiday Season. May your homes be blessed with the laughter and love of Family and Friends. May all your dreams and wishes come true in 2025.

MERRY CHRISTMAS! HAPPY HANNUKAH! and a HAPPY, HEALTHY 2025!

And oh yes, may you always have a bowl of dark chocolate cherries in brandy by your side.

JULY BRINGS SUNSHINE, ROSES AND . . . .

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Morning walks seems destine to be early ones, if only to beat the hot temperatures that goes from 70 degrees Fahrenheit to a hotter 85 degrees Fahrenheit in a mere few hours.

Choosing my favorite walking routes of random back lanes and connectors, I noticed this amusing scene in someone’s backyard. I called it “The March of the Pink Flamingoes. . . .I wonder where they’re going? . . . . . .

Other people’s gardens are fun to see as often there are whimsical touches that are quite unexpected.

Like this unusual and whimsical wind-spinner. I think I’m on a path of flamingoes. . . . .

I love roses and this appears to be the month for them. The scents are quite amazing, especially when carried on a gentle breeze.

There’s something beautiful seeing these pink roses poking through the worn fence. I wished I could paint them but will have to be content with a photo.

Continuing my walk through the back lanes and connectors, I should be quite use to seeing a nonchalant deer, intent on his meal mission in someone’s backyard. Where do they learn their attitude?

I think he’s thinking, “Ignore the Human, food is around this corner. . .”

Next to roses, my next favorite flower seems to be poppies. I never realized how many colors poppies came in. Did you know there’s even a lavender color poppy?

I’m always happy when I can walk early. Not only is it a quieter time but also much cooler. Summer months teach us to slow down. It’s time enough to face Autumn’s harvests and Winter’s frost. For now, we savor and endure Summer’s heat, colors, flowers, wildlife and whatever whimsy that falls in our path. I spotted this in the window of a thrift shop.

I call this one the “Perfect Shoes” except these won’t be on my feet, but on someone else’s. I envy the person who can move gracefully on these–most of all, I envy the 4-inches in height this person will gain.

Almost at the end of my last back-lane and close to home when I had to stop in my tracks to take a photo of this striking blue flower. If there’s anyone who know its name, please let me know. Initially I thought of it as an exotic cornflower but it’s not.

Happy July to all of you. Remember this heatwave we are all enduring now. AND don’t forget this when we are all in the throes of icy Winter. Delight in all the Summer moments and don’t forget to hydrate and use your sunscreen when you’re out in that sun.

My Christmas Wish For You

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Despite the wars, unrest and turmoil abroad and within, I wish I had the power to demand Peace. 

A tiny tree, bare of leaves, but made beautiful in the Spirit of the Season.

I want to give the gift of Hope and to show that Joy does exist, even in the simplest of things.

This was a bare corner of a large building and some one there, who is very creative, made a “statement” using the empty planters, pots and plants who were comin g to a “resting” stage. . .

The gem and stone store showed its Holiday spirits by using gems as the window display. . . .

My favorite store, Gardenworks, never disappoints in seasonal displays.

So many enjoyable, unexpected, simple moments– and there for anyone to appreciate. I count my blessings every day that I have these moments. BUT I wish I could command that wars stop so others can hear and savor peace–not bombs and destruction

     “It’s Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air.“  W.T.Ellis 

    “Christmas works like glue. It keeps us all sticking together.”–Rosie Thomas

    ”Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone.”—Charles M. Schulz

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELVES AND TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER. MAY THE LOVE AND JOY OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON TAKE YOUR FOOTSTEPS TO FABULOUS ADVENTURES AND FUN TIMES IN 2024! 

Searching for the Perfect Home

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Feeling in a frivolous mood and what better way to express this. . . .to all the little girls who believe in fairies, elves and gnomes. . . .

Searching for a home is universal–whether for fairies, elves, gnomes or humans. It is the same requirements: location, location, location. And the price has to be reasonable.

If brand new, the right tree in the perfect location has to be selected and must answer the many questions asked by the potential buyer,

Is the entrance (hole) facing the right direction? Is it high enough for an excellent view? Would the architect be able to design a 3-bdrm/2-bath plus a small attachment for Grampa?

Or perhaps a penthouse with its private ladder access might appeal . . . .?

Then there are all the other choices available. Did the buyer want a fixer-upper? A handyman’s special? Or maybe just a fresh coat of paint? What about landscaping? A basement suite?

Or maybe a nice ready-to-move-in home—–complete with nicely painted steps and door, a tiny table and is that a mailbox to the left. . .?

And there’s always that very secluded stone mansion in the woods . . . . .

Add a handy-dandy “Beware of Gnomes” sign to ensure no trespassers come through the woods uninvited. . . . .

See, those Tiny Folks are just like us when it comes to house-hunting. . . . .

BUT when that perfect home is found, then the “Welcome” mat is the first thing to show “this is finally HOME!”

New Beginnings

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Retirement is not a word in my dictionary–that is, if I ever had to create my own word dictionary–retirement would never find its way in there.

There is something very final in the word retirement. Perhaps, it’s the connotations in today’s world. After all, if a person has been happy enjoying their work/profession for decades, then suddenly thrust into leaving a job they love because of their age or because of circumstances that forces an early retirement or just an excuse to make room for a younger, less expensive workforce,  retirement must seem like the end of a useful life.

I like to think of retirement as a graduation–a graduation to a life of freedom to do what you have always wanted to do. There is no reason or excuse not to become that full-time artist or writer or craftsman because we did finish school, got a real job and made something of ourselves. We have left behind our footprints and hopefully helped create a responsible world–at least, a teeny-tiny portion of a world where we have helped people and made a difference in someone’s life.

Now it’s your turn. You can seek your rainbow with an adventurous spirit. You can satisfy your insatiable curiosity for knowledge in matters unrelated to your previous working life. This is your time to fully leap into your part-time hobbies or activities that you always thought would be your full-time job when you retire.

Sound familiar? We have all said this at some time or other while we toiled away at our jobs. Now it’s official. You can do all the things you had thought about and regretfully put aside because other things like family responsibilities and life’s crisis made it impossible back then.

And hey, you know that age thing that got you retired in the first place? Don’t listen to those nagging voices telling you that you are too old to climb that mountain or fly that plane. You are too young not to aim for the moon, the stars and the rainbows.

Go ahead. Graduation is for everyone–not just the young. The world is really your oyster now because you have earned the right to grab your dreams and make them come true. After all, you have the battle-scars to prove it. So let’s raise that glass of bubbly to a New Life and New Beginnings–it’s waiting for you.

(This is dedicated to two good friends who recently retired after working a total of 82 years between them.)

 

It’s Good For You

humour, thoughts and observations,

Some people thrive on exercise. You know, the hard physical sweat of toting those bales and lifting those sacks. Being the 21st century, this is equivalent to the various metal monster gym machines that tests your physical abilities to the max.  Me? I’m the gal that loves anything stimulating the mind. If I can find an exercise that’s fun, stimulates the mind and gives a good work-out, you’ll find me there.

I’ve signed up for Jazzercise, Line-dancing, Golden Zumba, Burlesque-fit, Hawaiian dancing, Taoist tai-chi and the latest dance trend, Nuline dancing. All of these choices were fun and not at all like a dreaded exercise class.  I really enjoyed my “work-outs” as it also tested your memory in remembering the sequence of moves. They were all challenging and entertaining.

Recently, I signed up for the Yang style of tai-chi—learning 22 moves in 6 sessions. The lady registering me typed the last digit wrong and I found myself in a Qui Gong class instead. The brochure described Qui Gong as “These gentle, flowing movements combine breathing, movement and concentration to increase strength, flexibility and endurance while relieving stress.” Participants were further informed that Qui Gong was similar to tai chi, but easier to master as the movements were simpler. Well, here I was and I decided to give it my best efforts.

Glancing around the room, I noted there were 30 adults/seniors ranging anywhere from 55-80 years. I decided to stand near the oldest person in the room. This strategy would supposedly make me look more co-ordinated, especially if the elderly senior looked as if a puff of wind would knock him over. We chatted and his name was Ben. Ben was 82 and loved Qui Gong.

At first, the breathing exercises, movement of the arms and shifting of body weight did feel like tai-chi, even reminiscent of a hint of Hawaiian dancing. As the simple moves and holds progressed to more serious moves, Qui Gong felt like isometric core exercises with a dash of yoga thrown in.  If done correctly, it was like a “stretching” workout. Ben was doing it fluidly and effortlessly.

The instructor came over to assist me.

“I’ll support your arms above your head while you relax your body.”

Sighing, I stood straight. raised my arms above my head, bent my knees into a comfortable “sitting” position, relaxed my midriff by breathing through my belly button, tucked my chin onto my chest while fiercely concentrating on remaining loose and pliable. Then still gently supporting my arms straight above my head, the instructor whispered in my ear, “And don’t fall on me.”

Well  for goodness sakes, who can  hold that pose without laughing? I went home and glumly told my Hubby, “I will never make it as a monk.”

And he replied, “I hate to tell you this but women can’t be.”  Thank goodness. . .

 

Those After Christmas Sales

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I sympathize with my California friend, Eva S, who lost a sock  somewhere in the stratosphere (www.notesfromthecupcakerescueleague.wordpress.com/). My loss has been much greater—I lost 3 giant rolls of silver and gold  embossed Christmas wrapping paper plus 2 boxes of sparkling-snow-scene-with-cute-puppies Christmas cards. I know I have them because I fell for that after Christmas sales of wrapping paper, bags and cards that were 75% off at the store. I felt I was a giant step ahead for next Christmas when I had my supply of cards and  gift wraps. And yes, I did put them away in a safe place so I could put my hands on them as soon as the month of December loomed into sight. It was tucked in such a safe place I couldn’t find it when I needed it.

After Christmas sales, also known as Boxing Day Specials—can be a boon to some but disastrous to others. First of all, there is no such thing as a “bargain”–not unless it’s in the technological field and at least 80% off, if they want me inside their store. I remember my friends camping out overnight just to be the first through the door when the electronics store opened on Boxing Day. Back then, there were some great bargains.

My dilemma with the missing wrapping paper and cards came to the fore-front when Hubby and I walked past the card-shop. Yep, there were boxes and boxes of cards plus stacks of glittery, Christmas-y wrapping paper AND all for 70% off the regular price. I’m not falling for that this year–besides  it was a bit more reduced last year. Hubby and I walked on by.

I know I have at least 3 past post-Christmas sales of wraps and cards tucked somewhere in a secret hidey-hole. AND I just know that when I need some special occasion wrapping paper, my Christmas ones will fall out of the closet instead.

So Eva S–don’t worry about your missing sock. It’s probably with my missing wrapping paper and cards. Somewhere, they are commiserating with other misplaced items until their owners  finally reunite with them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WILD AND FREE

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Nature is having a tough time surviving in this 21st century. With new developments claiming virgin forests, untamed wilderness and spectacular scenery, the wild life are being pushed out of their natural habitats and forced to forage in urban and rural areas for their survival.

Victoria is synonymous with gardens. No matter where you are or where you look as you roam the city, gardens and flowers are everywhere. Now, there are signs  for something new. By the scenic road that winds past the prestigious Victoria Golf Club, there are signs that warn motorists to watch out for Mama Duck and her numerous babies. Mama tends to lead her ducklings across the road at the worst moments and always, there is the rebel duckling with his/her own sense of where it wants to go. Lately there have been new signs popping up around the city. These signs show the silhouette of a Mother Deer and/or Rabbit with their off-springs. It is a warning to motorists that these wild-life frequently cross the road. It made me stop and ponder how the deer, raccoon, rabbits, squirrels and occasional cougar can survive in urban settings.

I use to work in an acute-care hospital outside the city limits and built on a piece of cleared wilderness. It is a strategic location for highway or industrial accidents happening north of Victoria. It is also a great dumping place for pet rabbits no longer considered cute after Easter came and went. The few existing wild rabbits were no doubt rapturous at meeting such an abundance of eligible bunnies. The rabbits did what rabbits do when meeting their soul-mates. It didn’t take long to notice hundreds and hundreds of cute bunnies hopping, nibbling and doing what rabbits do, literally covering the massive grounds above and tunneling beneath. It is a marvel of bunny engineering the hospital foundation didn’t sink due to all the hundreds of interconnecting tunnels proliferating underground!

There were occasional cougar sightings. These wild cats ventured down the highway, crossing city limits in their search for food. It seemed ironic they had missed the best feeding grounds enroute to the city. It may seem cruel that these plump furry bunnies could have been some cougar’s dinner, but this is Nature’s way of culling the rabbit population. Humans spent months on agonizing debates and discussions to decide how best to cull the rabbits. Volunteers raised the necessary funds and labour to humanely capture thousands of rabbits that were supposedly shipped to a “rabbit refuge” somewhere in Texas. A few “escapees” found their way to the University of Victoria’s undeveloped and wooded areas where they happily settled to do what rabbits do best–creating the same problem in a different location.

When Hubby and I moved to our house, we were amazed to see our first deer stroll casually past our front yard. Initially, it was a novelty to be so close to something wild as it ventured into our neighbours’ yards to nibble at the roses, azaleas and daisies. I’m talking about an established and developed urban neighbourhood, well within the city limits. In the past few years, the deer problem became very real and very serious.

Like the rabbits, there have been numerous committees, discussions and debates on finding a humane solution to the deer problem. For every person against shooting or trapping the deer, there is someone vehemently for. At the moment, the deer have been left alone. This is not as humane as it seems for these beautiful animals are literally starving from human kindness. If they had been left to survive in the wilderness, it would be by survival of the fittest. Left to survive in urban surroundings, there is not enough food to sustain these animals and their constantly expanding families. The deer are becoming aggressive and extremely territorial if any humans cross their path. They are merely protecting whatever “turf” they have managed to keep in their daily fight for survival.

A decade ago, the city belonged to humans. It was rare  to see any wild animals strolling through the neighbourhood. Today, deer, rabbits, squirrels, raccoons and the occasional cougar are a common sight because people are driving them out of their natural habitat. It really makes you reconsider that dream-house with the spectacular view and the woodsy backyard. Which Nature’s  creatures was evicted from their wilderness home to give you yours?

Dark Chocolate Heaven

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I love chocolate.  If it’s Belgian chocolate, 70-72% dark, that’s really great. But if it happens to cover small pieces of dried mangoes or tart cherries with roasted almonds, that’s the absolute best!  Costco is my favourite place for sourcing out any Belgian dark chocolate fruit or biscuit. Their supply seems to change all the time.

The big jars of 70%  Belgian  Dark Chocolate Clusters of Tart Cherries with Roasted Almonds, were available for at least three trips to Costco, before these jars disappeared forever. It was replaced with 70% Belgian Dark Chocolate Dipped Slices of Dried Mangoes and believe me, there was nothing “dried” about the mangoes. The entire chocolate treat was tasty and the fruit was moist enough not to taste like dried shoe leather. But then again, how can anything dipped in dark Belgian chocolate taste awful?

The mangoes simply disappeared one day to be replaced with 70% Belgian Dark Chocolate Almond Bark with almond slices sprinkled generously throughout the thin chocolate slabs. These almond treats were packed as thin pieces inside a sturdy paper bag. Needless to say, these replacement treats were too deadly to ignore. This involved several trips on the highway to replenish the dark Belgian chocolate supply of almond bark, but on that last trip, there was also a 70% Belgian  Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Seed Bark as well. It too was deliciously decadent.

I was at Costco yesterday and the almond bark, as well as the pumpkin seed bark, has disappeared to wherever the cherry almond clusters and the mango slices in dark chocolate retire to. In a prominent place on the aisle, there were bags and bags of—yep, you guessed it–70% Belgian Dark Chocolate Dipped Figs. Figs? Yes, figs. And let me tell you, I’m not especially fond of figs, but in my case, I think you can chocolate dip a lima bean and it would be great—as long as it’s dipped in Belgian 70% Dark Chocolate.  Um-mm, anyone heading to Costco. . . ?